Education Commissioner Candidate's Resume Creating Controversy

Barbara Erwin is considered by many to be the top candidate for Kentucky Education Commissioner. She's currently the Superintendent of Schools in St. Charles, Ill., and previously worked in Texas. But something on her resume is raising concern.It shows Erwin was named Superintendent of the Year in Texas in both 1997 and 1998. But records show she only received that award in 1997.Erwin says it was just an honest mistake."I won the award in the 96-97 school year," Erwin told 27 NEWSFIRST. " In the 98-99 school year I was nominated for the national award. It was just a mistake when they were combining my resumes."There have also been reports published in newspapers that have parents in her past districts giving negative comments on her work. Some say she left their districts in disarray. Others say she was difficult to work with.Erwin says she's not really surprised by such comments." When you make difficult decisions, you can't please 100 percent of people and those are the people commenting now," she said.The State Board of Education still has to meet and vote on the hire. Dr. C.B. Akens with the board says members are aware of the reports, but they're happy with Erwin.The board's vote is scheduled for May 9 and 10 in Bowling Green. If Erwin is approved, she could start July 1 and earn a base salary of $220,000.

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